The Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement (OME) aims to reshape interactions between New Yorkers and city government, focusing on inclusivity and transparency. Mayor Zohran Mamdani inaugurated this initiative, appointing Tascha Van Auken as its first Commissioner. Van Auken, known for her success as a grassroots organizer during Mamdani’s campaign, will implement strategies designed to enhance public input in city decision-making processes.
The OME plans to conduct mass engagement campaigns that mobilize residents to participate actively in shaping city policies. It will establish accessible communication channels and host inspiring events for residents to share their feedback with officials. A significant priority includes reaching out to communities historically marginalized in policymaking, ensuring that their voices are heard in government decisions. The office will also integrate public feedback into city programs and services through transparent feedback loops and will support various city agencies in improving their public engagement efforts.
Additionally, the OME will oversee the City’s key engagement entities, such as the Public Engagement Unit and the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, consolidating their resources and strategies to streamline engagement efforts. This approach seeks to rebuild the civic infrastructure of the city and foster long-term community participation.
Mamdani emphasized that the effectiveness of the OME will be measured by whether community input leads to tangible changes in decision-making, rather than merely counting meetings or surveys. The new office is positioned as a critical element of the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, which will undoubtedly change how government listens to its constituents (Source: https://youtu.be/vz55h4gbGuE&t=328).
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